This holiday season, we had the opportunity to visit the iconic Lord Baltimore Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. Originally built in 1928, this extraordinary hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has always been popular for visitors coming to Baltimore over the years. Now owned by Rubell Hotels of Miami, Florida, the property has been renovated and they have maintained its authentic elegance beautifully.

Lord Baltimore Hotel is a definite must see on your family travels list. For visitors, as well as locals, we couldn't believe how many wonderful experiences and holiday happenings they offer.

During our visit, I quickly discovered my favorite ways to experience the hotel during the holiday season and throughout the rest of the year.

Admire the Couture Trees

The minute we walked into the lobby, we were mesmerized by the unique and beautiful couture trees designed by local artists and organizations. ​An annual event, the couture trees are celebrated with a friendly competition and exhibited in the lobby until the beginning of January. It's a good thing I didn't have to pick the winner because each and every one is absolutely amazing!

This year, the winners were Lana Brown as individual artist and Everyman Theatre for an organization. ​

As beautiful as the holiday adornments are, the lobby itself is a piece of art. From the original brass entry doors to the beautiful ornate ceiling, it's a great place to recline on the comfortable seating and relax from the busy hustle of everyday life.

Have a Drink at the LB Speakeasy

It all started during the prohibition era in the 1920's. Speakeasy's were hidden in public establishments and secretly served their patrons alcoholic beverages. At the Lord Baltimore Hotel, after the ban was lifted, the speakeasy stayed concealed until it was recently discovered during renovations in 2014. How amazing is THAT? Rediscovered, it's been revived and the LB Speakeasy was born. It's perfect that the re-grand opening was in the month of the most enjoyed winter holidays. ​​

This secluded lounge is authentically decorated in warm woods with a gorgeous metallic ceiling and colorful stained glass. With comfortable seating areas, It's the perfect place for adults to relax and enjoy a holiday cocktail in old world charm.

Or liven up your evening by ordering a delicious savory bite from The French Kitchen. ​Executive Chef Frank White is a true culinary genius.

Enjoy Dining Specialties

Of course, the decorated lobby is a feast for your eyes. But if you are visiting for the wonderful dining the Lord Baltimore offers, all of your senses will be amazed. ​

At the award-winning LB Bakery, the treats that Executive Pastry Chef Mary Elizabeth Plovanich creates will delight adults and children alike. Offering delicious French inspired pastries year-round, during the winter season they also feature holiday specialties. It was so hard to choose (we wanted to try one of each!) but since it was a chilly day outside, we decided on a Mexican Hot Chocolate Tart and an Irish Creme Macaron.

Whether you are a hotel guest or just stopping by, the LB Bakery is a terrific place to pick up a gourmet coffee and decadent pastry, or even grab a fresh salad, slice of quiche, or sandwich for lunch. ​​

Open daily for drinks and light fare, the LB Tavern is situated right next to the lobby. This is a great spot for my favorite hotel activity of "people watching" while enjoying a delicious cocktail or meal. The LB Tavern menu showcases numerous Baltimore local specialties and drinks. If you've never tried a traditional Maryland crabcake, this is your chance.

For a special place to have a wonderful dinner, look no further than The French Kitchen.

First, stop by the bar for a specialty cocktail before entering the main restaurant for dinner.

This European style restaurant is stunning and their award-winning menu is spectacular. ​Just look at the glamorous furnishings and decor. I love how the seating allows plenty of room between the tables for an intimate dining experience.

Having a Holiday Party?

The formal ballroom is gorgeous! Original chandeliers and crests are the focal point of this stunning room. It's the perfect place for a wedding or holiday party. Even though we weren't visiting to attend a festive event, just being in the presence of this regal room made me want to start celebrating.

Plan a Vacation or Stay-cation

Whether you are planning a pre-cruise stay before leaving from Baltimore's cruise terminal or taking a family vacation to Baltimore, the Lord Baltimore Hotel offers it all. With some of the best views of the city skyline (even on a cloudy, snowy winter day), it's an ideal location for visiting the inner harbor, historic monuments, wonderful theaters, and delicious dining.

We love traveling for holidays, even if it's just for a short "stay-cation" and the Lord Baltimore Hotel definitely feels special. Their amazing service, beautiful decor, and fine dining would make any holiday experience memorable. I love the spacious Parlor Suite that not only has a separate King bedroom and large living area with a pull-out sofa bed, but it also has two bathrooms! ​

All of the suites and rooms have been modernized while still retaining the upscale ambiance and various original features. For families, many of the rooms and suites connect if you prefer extra space with multiple rooms. Additionally, the numerous amenities found in each room include luxurious toiletries, bottled water, plush towels, a refrigerator (to stock up on LB Bakery's pastries!) and more. ​

During our visit this winter season, I've showcased many of my favorite holiday happenings but of course, the hotel is spectacular any time of year. Brett Henry, Director of Operations, provided us a wonderful tour in which his attention to detail and exuberance for the rich history shined through. The Lord Baltimore Hotel obviously makes any holiday or celebration feel special and we can't wait to go back and visit again to experience another season at this iconic hotel. ​

About the Author

Thanks for cruising by! ​Along with creating this website and blog, I work in an office full-time and as a mom to two energetic teenage boys. With our family's busy work and school schedule, we look forward to traveling during holidays. Although it seems that our family can never agree on anything, we do when it comes to vacations. We typically travel on cruises or stay at luxury hotels. We enjoy upscale dining, beautiful decor, excellent service, and spacious accommodations. However, with a family including two teenage boys, we still need family friendly and comfortable.

Virtually escape and start planning your next luxurious cruise vacation on land or sea with My Virtual Vacations. ​Contact me for any specific questions or recommendations. And don't forget to keep checking back for the latest blog posts and information. There are always more family vacations in our future!

About the Photos

Our beautiful photographs are creatively captured by my talented freelance husband/photographer located in Baltimore, MD. Click hereto explore more of his work.

Up Next...

Time flies! We are quickly moving into warmer months and that means summer is on the way. We are SO excited to announce we'll be cruising on the brand new (and gorgeous!) Norwegian Bliss on an inaugural cruise in New York City.Also, planning has started for some incredible summer adventures. We'll be expanding our travel to luxury destinations in the west. Visits to Scottsdale and Sedona, AZ are in the works. If you have suggestions for My Virtual Vacations to visit, reach out to us on our Submission Form. We'd love to hear from you!

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